The Sirens are known in Greek
mythology for their alluring song of death. No man can resist their song, and
no man leaves alive once he is pulled in. Margaret Atwood and Homer both
describe the Sirens in their work but go about doing it in different ways. By
writing from two different points of view with differing tones, the authors
give the audience a more dynamic understanding of the Sirens.
Homer’s recount is written from the
first person point of view of Odysseus while Atwood’s poem is written from the
first person point of view of a Siren. In Homer’s version, Odysseus is aware of
the threat of the Sirens and is bracing himself to resist their song. Odysseus,
valiantly trying to resist, still “signal[s] the crew with frowns to set [him]
free” (Homer 21). Point of view is so important here because everyone knows how
strong a warrior Odysseus is, and yet even he could not resist without his crew
holding him back. Moreover, this shows
that the Sirens are able to be defeated. Odysseus takes the reader step by step
how to resist the Sirens and stay alive. Atwood’s version of the story is from
the point of view of a Siren. This allows the reader to see the true cunning
involved with a Siren’s actions. The actual process of roping in a victim is portrayed,
making the Siren seem like a much a more dynamic character than in Homer’s
passage. The Siren cheekily tells her next victim, “Alas/ it is a boring song/
but it works every time” (Atwood 25-7). The reader can see the intricacies that
go into her speech and how exactly she allures the men because it is actually a
Siren telling the story. She becomes more interesting and understandable in
Atwood’s recount.
The tones of the two pieces are also
quite opposite. Homer’s piece has a much more serious tone. Odysseus is trying to return home to his
finally and therefore, must escape the grasps of the perilous Sirens. He has
his crew tie him up “hand and foot in the tight ship” (Homer 8). The crew and
Odysseus are fighting for their lives, and the desperation is evident. This is
no joking matter, and Odysseus is not concerned with the details about the
Siren’s song. He is solely concerned with escaping them and getting home.
Atwood’s version, however, is much more light-hearted and witty. By taking on the
role of a Siren herself, Atwood shows the deceit and cunning that goes into getting
victims. She exemplifies exactly why no man can resist with her alluring
speech. The tone is light because to the Sirens, taking in and destroying
sailors is a game. They gain pleasure from tricking the men that pass by. The
tone in Atwood’s piece reflects the personality of the Sirens.
The differing points of view and
tones used to describe the Sirens show how the world views the Sirens and how
the Sirens view the world. Odysseus, the metaphor for society, is scared of the
Sirens and forced to hatch elaborate plans just to survive. The Sirens, as seen
through Atwood’s account, are cunning and playful, finding unique ways to reel
in every sailor that passes. One passage depicts terror; the other depicts a
glorified game.
